


How do I use the element to create a list of predefined options for an input field?
Jun 29, 2025 am 01:28 AMTo use the <datalist> element, first pair it with the <input> field with the list attribute, and then add multiple
To use the <datalist></datalist>
element, you pair it with an <input>
field using the list
attribute. This lets users either type freely or pick a suggestion from your predefined list.
How to Set It Up
Start by creating an <input>
element and give it a list
attribute that matches the id
of a <datalist></datalist>
element. Inside the <datalist></datalist>
, place as many <option></option>
elements as needed — each representing a possible value.
Here's a simple example:
<input type="text" list="fruits" /> <datalist id="fruits"> <option value="Apple"></option> <option value="Banana"></option> <option value="Cherry"></option> <option value="Orange"></option> </datalist>
When a user starts typing in the input box, the browser will show matching options from the list.
Common Use Cases
The <datalist>
is great when you want to offer suggestions but still allow custom input. Here are some typical uses:
- Search bars with common queries
- Form fields like country names or cities
- Product searches where exactly spelling may vary
- Input for tags or categories
For instance, if you're building a travel booking site, you might use <datalist>
for destination suggestions.
Styling Tips and Browser Support
By default, styling <datalist>
options can be tricky because browsers control how the dropdown looks. However, you can still customize the input field itself using CSS:
input[list] { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px; font-size: 16px; }
As for browser support, <datalist></datalist>
works in most modern browsers including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox — though Safari has limited support (especially on iOS). If appearance is critical, consider JavaScript-based alternatives or progressive enhancement strategies.
Some things to keep in mind:
- You can't fully style the dropdown list across all browsers
- Mobile support varies; test on actual devices
- Consider adding fallbacks or instructions for unsupported environments
When to Use <datalist></datalist>
vs Other Inputs
Use <datalist></datalist>
when you want a balance between free text entry and guided suggestions. Compare it with these alternatives:
- Select dropdown: Better when only one of a few fixed values ??is allowed.
- Radio buttons: Good for short lists of required choices.
- Custom autocomplete widgets: Needed when design control or advanced filtering is necessary.
So, if you just need to help users type faster without locking them into strict options, <datalist></datalist>
is a good fit.
That's basically how you work with <datalist></datalist>
— not too complicated once you link the input and the list properly.
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